Installing drivers in Safe Mode on Windows 10 is a useful trick when your PC is acting up or if you’re dealing with driver issues. Safe Mode boots your computer with minimal drivers and services, which can make it easier to troubleshoot and fix problems. Here’s a quick rundown: you’ll boot into Safe Mode, access Device Manager, and then manually update or install the necessary drivers.
How to Install Drivers in Safe Mode Windows 10
This section will walk you through the steps you need to follow to install drivers in Safe Mode on your Windows 10 machine.
Step 1: Boot into Safe Mode
Restart your computer and press Shift + F8 before Windows starts to load. This will take you to the recovery mode where you can select Safe Mode.
Once you’re in Safe Mode, your computer will only load the essential drivers, making it easier to troubleshoot and install new drivers without interference from other software.
Step 2: Access Device Manager
Press Win + X to open the Power User menu and select Device Manager. This tool lets you see all the hardware installed on your computer.
Device Manager is your main hub for managing drivers. From here, you can update, uninstall, or roll back drivers as needed.
Step 3: Locate the Device
In Device Manager, find the hardware for which you need to install the driver. Right-click on it and choose "Update driver."
If you can’t find the device, it might be listed under an unknown or other devices category. Expanding those sections can help you locate it.
Step 4: Choose How to Update
Select "Browse my computer for driver software" to manually locate the driver files you’ve downloaded earlier.
This step is useful if you already have the driver files saved on your computer. Otherwise, you can let Windows search automatically.
Step 5: Follow the Prompts
Navigate to where your driver files are, select them, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Windows will guide you through the rest of the process. Make sure to follow any prompts to restart your computer if required.
After completing these steps, your new driver should be installed and your hardware should function correctly. Safe Mode ensures that the installation process is as smooth as possible by limiting the interference from other software.
Tips for How to Install Drivers in Safe Mode Windows 10
- Disable Automatic Updates: Sometimes Windows tries to install its own drivers. Disable automatic updates to prevent this.
- Download Drivers in Advance: Save driver files to a USB drive before booting into Safe Mode.
- Use Manufacturer’s Website: Always download drivers from the manufacturer’s website to ensure they’re up-to-date and compatible.
- Create a Restore Point: Before making any changes, create a system restore point to revert back if something goes wrong.
- Check Compatibility: Make sure the driver is compatible with your version of Windows 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I install drivers in Safe Mode?
Safe Mode loads only essential drivers, making it easier to troubleshoot and install new drivers without interference from other software.
How do I know if my driver installation was successful?
After installing, check Device Manager to see if the device now shows up correctly without any warning icons.
What if Windows can’t find my driver?
If Windows can’t find your driver, download it manually from the manufacturer’s website and then install it.
Can I uninstall drivers in Safe Mode?
Yes, you can uninstall drivers in Safe Mode by right-clicking on the device in Device Manager and selecting "Uninstall."
What if my PC won’t boot into Safe Mode?
If your PC can’t boot into Safe Mode, you may need to use a recovery drive or reinstall Windows.
Summary
- Boot into Safe Mode.
- Access Device Manager.
- Locate the device.
- Choose how to update.
- Follow the prompts.
Conclusion
Installing drivers in Safe Mode on Windows 10 can save you from a lot of headaches. It’s like having a clean slate where you can troubleshoot and fix issues without interference from other programs. Safe Mode limits your system to the essentials, making it easier to identify and solve driver-related problems.
Remember, always download drivers from the manufacturer’s website to ensure compatibility and reliability. Creating a system restore point before making any changes is also a good habit to get into. If you follow these steps and tips, you should have no trouble installing or updating your drivers.
For more detailed guides on Windows 10 troubleshooting, be sure to check out other articles and resources. Now you’re well-equipped to handle driver issues like a pro!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.